The debate on the social impact of bets has gained another chapter. Senator Alessandro Vieira (MDB-SE) introduced a bill to limit—or even prohibit—online betting by the elderly, people listed in active debt or credit protection registries, and those enrolled in the Federal Government's Single Registry for Social Programs (CadÚnico).
The PL 3.718/2024 includes this limitation in the Law 14.790, of 2023, also called the Law of Bets. Alessandro Vieira argues that the measure is necessary to protect vulnerable groups, who are among the most harmed by this type of gambling.
A survey by the Central Bank released last week indicates that, just last month, beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família spent R$ 3 billion on bets through the Pix system. The study was conducted following a request by Senator Omar Aziz.
According to the Central Bank, "these results are in line with other surveys that show low-income families as the most harmed by the activity of sports betting. It is reasonable to assume that the commercial appeal of enrichment through betting is more attractive to those in a financially vulnerable situation".
Illusion and indebtedness
Alessandro Vieira emphasizes that many people have "the illusion that gambling is a form of investment", which leads them to underestimate the risks involved, attracted by the "promise of quick, but uncertain gains". He reiterates that "it must be clear that betting is not an investment".
This type of gambling, the senator warns, "has led an increasing number of people to develop compulsive behaviors, with devastating consequences for their financial and social lives. The loss of control over gambling, the constant search for rewards, and the denial of consequences are common characteristics of gambling addiction, which can lead to excessive indebtedness, the destruction of relationships, and mental health problems".
The project
According to Alessandro Vieira's project, the Law of Bets would limit online betting for:
* the elderly;
* those listed in active debt or credit protection registries;
* those enrolled in the Federal Government's Single Registry for Social Programs (CadÚnico).
The proposal also presents the following options for implementing this limitation (the choice would be up to the Executive):
* absolute loss limit or a percentage of the value transferred to the betting platform;
* limit on monthly transfers;
* monthly transfer value limit as a percentage of declared income;
* total prohibition of transactions.
Source: Senate Agency
